[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 150 (Thursday, October 24, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1573]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  COMMEMORATING THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF INFANT TODDLER FAMILY DAY CARE

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                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 24, 2013

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 30th Anniversary 
of Infant Toddler Family Day Care. Founded in 1983 by Phyllis Cassell 
and Ileene Hoffman, Infant Toddler Family Day Care (ITFDC) is now run 
by Phyllis's daughter, Wynne Busman. This 501-(c)(3) non-profit 
corporation serves the early education needs of parents and children 
throughout Northern Virginia. ITFDC connects families with licensed 
professional early child care educators who provide high quality family 
child care in private home settings.
  This network of caregivers and educators is committed to the 
principle that learning begins at birth and the understanding that 
experiences in the first years of a child's life strongly influence 
their development into productive, well-adjusted adults. The ITFDC 
model promotes the development of long term relationships between the 
caregivers and the children in each small, mixed age group, greatly 
benefiting each child. This environment nurtures the cognitive, 
emotional, and social skills necessary for school and beyond.
  ITFDC has also committed itself to raising the standards of 
professionalism for the early child care and education workforce. It 
encourages teachers to pursue the Career Studies Certificate and/or the 
Child Development Associate credential and provides guidance to those 
who seek to open their own licensed child care businesses. Some 
providers in the ITFDC network participate in the USDA Child Care Food 
Program which helps make sure children in need receive the healthy 
meals they need to be ready to learn. Finally, through the Navy/Marine 
Respite Program, ITFDC administers professional respite care services 
to Navy and Marine Corp families who need critical time to schedule 
appointments, meet other obligations they have or take a break knowing 
their children with special medical or behavioral needs are being cared 
for by trained providers.
  ITFDC's longevity is a testament to the effectiveness of its 
philosophy and its programs, and to its first-rate reputation among 
parents and educators.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating ITFDC 
on 30 years of success and thanking the many caregivers who have 
participated in its programs years for their efforts in caring for our 
most precious resource.

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